West Brom issued advice on what to do next after 'groundbreaking' Aune Heggebo ban
Keith Hackett is shocked at the Football Association's decision to hit Aune Heggebo with a two-game ban at West Bromwich Albion.
Albion announced via their official website on Thursday evening that Heggebo had been hit with an unprecedented suspension.
It relates to the handball goal scored by the striker in last weekend's 2-1 win at Norwich City.
The ball went in off Heggebo's arm, much to the fury of the home players and supporters.
There have been calls for the EFL to roll out VAR in the Championship as a result of the contentious goal.
There were also shouts for Heggebo to be retrospectively banned, which is now the case as the full details are shared.
West Brom unhappy as Aune Heggebo statement released
A line had seemingly been drawn under the whole matter given how quickly the football cycle moves on.
Indeed, it was expected Heggebo would start for West Brom against Burnley on Sunday.
That will no longer be the case, though, as the FA has charged the Norway international with a breach of Rule E3.1.
West Brom point out it is believed to be the first charge of its kind in English football, with the rule change introduced prior to the 2024-25 season.
Albion appealed the two-game ban, which will also see Heggebo miss the Carabao Cup tie with Newcastle United next Wednesday.
The Baggies argue the cross took a touch via the goalkeeper prior to Heggebo connecting, giving him just 0.01 of a second to react.
But the FA stand by their stance that Heggebo "successfully deceived a match official by handling the ball in a direct successful attempt to score a goal".
West Brom intend to write to the FA asking for further clarification of how a player is expected to react in such a situation when the ball takes a deflection.
West Brom added at the end of their statement: "Albion remain steadfast in their support of Aune, whose character and integrity have been evident throughout his time at The Hawthorns."
What does Keith Hackett make of the first-of-its-kind charge
Hackett, who previously headed up PGMOL and refereed in the Premier League, is surprised at the news.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News after news of the suspension was made public, Hackett said: "This is a groundbreaking decision - an act that clearly re-referees an incident and sets a dangerous precedent.
"I am satisfied that the goal should not have been allowed, having been scored illegally by Heggebo.
"The referee was not in a position to see, recognise, think and act, which is the decision-making process for a match official.
"Neither was his assistant or fourth official in a position to see and detect the offence.
"So why did the referee fail to see the offence? What action is taken when such an error is made by an official?
"Do we expect a player involved in a similar incident to stand up and run to the referee apologising for the accidental act, enabling the referee reach the correct outcome?
"Are the FA now going to re-referee incidents where an act of simulation that has deceived the referee and resulted in the award of a penalty kick? And will this result in a similar charge to the offending player?
Hackett added that his advice would be for Albion to lodge a further appeal after seeking guidance, although that ship now appears to have sailed in what is a truly bizarre and first-of-its-kind case.